One of our best selling brands, ZLINE Kitchen, gets compared ALOT to the reputable Viking brand. Let’s break down the similarities and differences between ZLINE Kitchen and Viking freestanding ranges... and our recommendation on which you should buy and why.
The Overview
ZLINE has two product series. The RA and RG Series and the Autograph Series. The Autograph Series is ZLINE's premium line while the RA (Dual Fuel Ranges) and RG (Gas Range) represent the base models.
Viking has four Product Lines. The 3 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series and Tuscany Series. The Tuscany Series will be left out of this review since it gears towards the retro-look appliances. The 5 Series is the only Series that offers sizes in: 30, 36, 48 inches and both Dual Fuel and Gas Range.
To make this review as useful as possible, we'll review the Viking 5 Series and ZLINE RA/RG Models as it targets the majority of homeowners.
Cost
Choosing a range does not have to be expensive. Get more bang for your buck! When it comes to freestanding ranges, ZLINE is the way to go. Compared to Viking, you are able to purchase a professional range for up to 75% cheaper.
Don't believe us, see our Price Comparison Chart
Size Comparison
ZLINE and Viking are producers of heavy-duty professional ranges. With this being said, both brands provide a variety of sizes to choose from. Viking freestanding ranges are available in 30, 36, 48, 60, while ZLINE ranges are offered in 24, 30, 36, 48 and 60 inches.
Mini Conclusion: Both ZLINE and Viking offer the standard sizes with ZLINE offering a 24 inch model for smaller size kitchens. ZLINE wins with a slight advantage.
Cooktop Burners
ZLINE offers high-quality alloy burners handcrafted that are imported directly from Italy. Alloy burners were also created to become detachable for a simple clean. Each ZLINE Range has 4 to 8 burners that provide cooking power ranging from 4,200 to 18,000 BTUs.
ZLINE also offers premium Brass burners as an add-on. These burners are extremely durable, corrosion resistant, and provide even heat distribution resulting in evenly cooked foods. Read more about the Benefits of Italian Brass Burners.
The Viking 5 Series includes pro-sealed burner system that generally have one "PowerPlus" 18,500 BTU burner and the remaining burners at 15,000 BTUs. Depending on the size, you'll be cooking on 4 to 8 burners. All burners have a simmer setting which provides a gentle simmering heat at low cooking temperatures.
Both ZLINE and Viking cooktops have:
- Sealed Burners
- Automatic re-ignition
- One piece porcelainized cooktop for easy cleanup
Mini Conclusion: both ZLINE provide suitable power performance for all kinds of cooking. Even though ZLINE offers a Brass Burner add-on, this one goes to a tie.
Oven Performance
Let's talk the details about each oven. First, let's analyze the oven capacities for the ZLINE Gas Range vs. the Viking Gas Range:
Viking has a slight advantage for the 36" range and the same capacity for the 30" and 48" models.
Both brands have:
- Convection Fan Oven for even heat distribution
- Heavy Duty Racks
- Ball-Bearing Racks
The other major difference is the viewing window. The Viking viewing windows are bigger than ZLINE ranges, making it easier to keep an eye out on how your turkey or pastries are cooking!
Mini Conclusion: Due to the larger oven capacity and viewing windows, Viking wins the Oven battle.
Color Options
ZLINE ranges are meant to be the focal point of your kitchen. This is why ZLINE has and will continue to provide ranges in many different styles, colors, and finishes. Providing many colors result in a wide selection for you to chose from. We are sure there is a range that suit you.
ZLINE offers colors in almost every style:
- Stainless Steel
- Black Stainless Steel
- Black Matte
- White Matte
- Blue Matte
- Blue Gloss
- Red Matte
- Red Gloss
Viking is a subdued brand famous for their professional stainless steel ranges, but has now expanded their colors! Throughout the years, Viking was strictly limited to grey stainless steel. Now today, ranges are available in white, grey, black, red, green, gray, cream.
Mini Conclusion: Viking offers slightly more colors than ZLINE. Viking wins the color battle.
Finishes
We've heard this complaint over and over again..."I hate having to clean my range from those pesky fingerprints". ZLINE offers Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel to solve this problem. Check out the full ZLINE Fingerprint Resistant Collection.
Surprisingly, we were unable to find fingerprint resistant offerings from the most popular Viking Series.
Mini Conclusion: ZLINE takes the cake with their smudge-resistant stainless steel.
Accents
Inspired by the elegance and snow-capped mountains of Lake Tahoe, ZLINE created the luxury Autograph Edition Series. Create an unforgettable style to your kitchen with knobs, handles and legs in three accents. The accents come in champagne bronze, gold and matte black.
Browse the Full ZLINE Autograph CollectionDon't forgot to read a detailed breakdown of the Luxury of ZLINE's Autograph Series. At the time of this writing, Viking does not offer the same professional elegance that the ZLINE Autograph Series offers.
Mini Conclusion: ZLINE Accents add an incredible style to any kitchen and is the winner for this category.
Knobs
ZLINE knobs are originally available in stainless steel. Alongside the classic stainless steel - matte black, gold, and champagne bronze knobs were added within ZLINE's new Autograph series. With the knobs being made from durable stainless steel, you will never have to worry about the oven knobs melting or getting hot.
Unlike ZLINE, Viking’s new and improved square bezel knobs come in a black stainless steel finish.
Fuel Type
Choosing a range is heavily influenced by the fuel type you enjoy most - or which you have hooked up in your kitchen. Both ZLINE and Viking offer gas ranges (natural or propane) and duel fuel (gas powered cooktop and electric powered oven) ranges. If you are looking for an all electric or induction range, Viking's 5 Series has a 30 inch version. ZLINE offers an induction range in 30" and 36" sizes.
Mini Conclusion: Viking and ZLINE offer the same Fuel Type but if you are looking for an Induction Range in 30" or 36", ZLINE will be a better option.
Overall Conclusion
Now that you know the pros of ZLINE and Viking freestanding ranges you can now shop for the best range for your dream kitchen.
We highly recommend ZLINE Kitchen because it offers the same or better features and performance as the Viking range, for a fraction of the cost.
Choose from a wide selection and let your range be the heart of your kitchen.
Get started with ZLINE Ranges!Did we miss something? Leave a comment or email use at [email protected]
13 comments
Rose Hartland
wow great article! can you do a 2024 update?
Sharon Fors
#1. Availability of 36” range .
#2. Who repairs in Tacoma, Washington area?
#3. What would be compatible in finishes for other kitchen appliances…fridge, dishwasher?
Scotty Harrison
Been using my ZLINE Range for the past 5 months and I absolutely love it. Purchased their fridge and microwave and it looks absolutely supreme. You SHOULD NOT pay the $10K for these old, brand like Viking… you can’t even get parts for them anymore. My neighbor has been waiting for a new Viking knob for 1 year LOL (sorry Barry). Buy ZLINE Today and Tomorrow!
Otto Tow
Article was bang on – I “upgraded” from Viking to ZLINE and haven’t looked back. Purchased a 48" Autograph Gas Range from PHS – highly recommend
Timothy k
Lengthy article but I did enjoy the breakdown of the oven capacity and conclusions. Usually the cheaper brands have a small oven capacity but it Appears ZLINE holds up well. Calling you guys tomorrow to see availability, hope everything is in stock!